United retained the Barclays Premier League title after a 2-0 win over Wigan secured by a first-half penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a second-half clincher from substitute Ryan Giggs.

Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bolton at Stamford Bridge and Ferguson was quick to remind them who has the psychological advantage ahead of the Champions League showdown in Moscow on May 21.

"If we had lost the title today it would have been a great knock, but the great thing is we are bouncing into the final," Ferguson said.

Asked if United's latest triumph reinforced his determination to carry on as manager, he replied: "I am very proud to have survived so long, but I am at a great club which makes it easier for me than the rest."

Ferguson also predicted that the current United side will overhaul Liverpool's overall record total of 18 titles. United now have 17.

"I think it will come. This side is young. There is plenty left in them."

Giggs, who equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances when he came on, drew more satisfaction from a 10th title winners' medal.

"It was a great goal to settle us down – it gave us a two-goal cushion," said Giggs, pictured right greeting the Premier League trophy for a tenth time. "I said before the game that I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about, championships and trophies. I hope we can win another one in 10 days' time."

Ferguson admitted that Wigan had given United a stern test on their way to a title-clinching victory.

He continued: "It was a tough one all right. For most of the game we played well, but there were some nervous moments."

United might have been reduced to 10 men in the first half when Paul Scholes, already on a yellow card, blocked off Wilson Palacios, but referee Steve Bennett gave him a final warning instead. "We were a bit lucky," acknowledged Ferguson. "The first tackle was reckless and he deserved to be booked, but the second one was nothing."

Wayne Rooney said: "We have got the hunger and we knew coming into the last two games that six points and we would be champions. We could see the finish line."

Chelsea coach Avram Grant congratulated Ferguson before revealing that captain John Terry has a chance of being fit for the Champions League final.

Substitute Andriy Shevchenko had given Chelsea hope of leapfrogging United should they slip up at Wigan with a 62nd-minute strike only for Matt Taylor to score a stoppage time equaliser for Bolton.

But the loss of Terry after 10 minutes with a dislocated elbow will be their main concern now the title race is over.

"First I want to congratulate Manchester United," said Grant. "They had a great season and I have sent a message to Alex Ferguson congratulating him. He is a great manager and a great person. I like him personally. I wished him all the best."

He added: "John did not break his elbow, but we need to wait and see. We will know if he is fit for the final in a few days."

Terry, who returned from hospital to join his team-mates on the pitch at the end of the game, believes he will be fit enough to play after four or five days of rest.

Terry, like Grant, was magnanimous in defeat. "We have lots of respect for United," said Chelsea's captain. "They have been fantastic this season and deserve to be at the top of table where they are.

"We dropped points at crucial stages and that has probably cost us although that should take nothing away from United who have been brilliant."

Fulham kept their Premier League status on goal difference after they claimed a 1-0 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth at Fratton Park with a header from Danny Murphy in the 76th minute.

Reading finished their campaign with a 4-0 win over Derby at Pride Park, but it was not quite enough as they were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship. Birmingham were also relegated despite a 4-1 home win over Blackburn.

Everton secured a fifth-placed finish and a spot in next season's UEFA Cup after they recorded a 3-1 win over Newcastle. Aston Villa finished five points behind Everton after a 2-2 draw with West Ham at Upton Park.

Manchester City were reduced to 10-men as they were thrashed 8-1 by Middlesbrough.

Theo Walcott's 24th-minute goal helped Arsenal to a
1-0 win over Sunderland while Andriy Voronin (69) and Fernando Torres (74) found the net as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.